1. STORAGE BUILDING: Work is progressing well on the 50’x100’ storage building for Police and Fire. City Inspector Rich Parker is managing the job with assistance from the Street Dept’s Matt Anders, Steve Crawford, Steve Greif and Marty Chittenden from the Park Dept.
2. ASSESSMENT AGREEMENT: While reviewing the city's minimum assessment agreements, Jean Furler discovered the city does not have a signed agreement (see packet for unsigned agreement) with Family Video. In 2006, FV agreed to a minimum assessment of $1,000,000, however their current value is $708,000. Without the agreement, it may be difficult to enforce. Jean is contacting FV and they are checking with the corporate office to determine if they have a copy.
3. DOWNTOWN INCENTIVE: Staff will propose two amendments to the Downtown Incentive policy.
John Hoyman has been working with Ivan Webber to draft an amendment to the incentive that would not allow a “double” payment for renovations that are paid by an insurance reimbursement. According to Iowa Constitution Article III Sec. 31 cities cannot provide public funds unless there is a public purpose. If the renovations are paid by insurance, there is no public purpose and are therefore illegal.
The second amendment is that loans of less than $10,000 will be made directly by the city using the USDA funds. USDA recently indicated to Finance Director Jean Furler that their funds must be lent directly by the city. The current policy allows the city to give funds to a local bank to lend (under bank conditions) to an eligible building owner.
4. TREE INVENTORY: The Indianola Tree Committee (Darla Kickbush, John Akers, Cathy Nutting, Jim Coffey, Jennifer Leech, Bill Gross and Glen Cowan) will provide mayor/council with a tree inventory and emerald ash borer recommendation at the April 4 council meeting.
5. SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS: Some additions this year’s sustainable activities include:
Medicap Pharmacy collects unused/old medications through their TakeAway program. Old medications are collected at Medicap year round free of charge. Medications do not need to be purchased at Medicap. Narcotic drugs must be called in prior to drop off. TakeAway is funded with grant money through the state of Iowa, Department of Natural Resources. Pharmacies throughout Iowa are helping to reduce the amount of medicine that is flushed down toilets or disposed of in landfills through this initiative that collected approximately 3,800 pounds of unused and expired medicine since the program began in November.
Peoples Bank Shed Day is Tuesday, April 19th from 11am to 1pm. The public is welcome to bring their sensitive documents to Peoples Bank parking lot and have them destroyed properly. Up to 200 lbs of documents per person are accepted. The shredded paper is then recycled.
Art Kern with Metro Waste Authority will be at the hazardous waste facility on May 12th to collect hazardous waste from businesses. This service is by appointment only. The business program offers help in proper identification, storage and disposal of hazardous materials. This program can reduce a business’ liability and potential danger to its customers and employees. Most businesses see a 40% savings in hazardous waste management cost. Businesses in Indianola that produce 220 lbs (about 25 gallons) of hazardous waste or less per month are eligible. Call Art at 515-333-4434 for more information.
6. TAX REVENUES: Collections are holding stable for this year compared to last. Total collected is nearly 55% of the amount budget and on target. March and April are bigger payment months.
7. HAZARDOUS MITIGATION PLAN: Brian Seymour will present our completed Plan to committee on April 11. It’s taken about 2 ½ years to complete and countless staff hours. Well done, Brian!
8. D&D: Community Development Director Chuck Burgin will be recommending the city purchase 400 and 401 E. Euclid at the next D&D Committee meeting. A recommendation will be brought to council in April.
9. TREE GRANT: The City of Indianola has been awarded $1,000 from Mid American Energy for the Trees Please program. This program encourages community beautification, help the environment and promote energy conservation
